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Fishing clinic draws 100+ kids and parents

Published by admin on Wed, 11/21/2012 - 9:58am

By Bill Bartusek

The Youth Fishing Clinic was a big success! More than 100 kids and parents attended the annual New Prague Sportsmen's Club fishing clinic. It was great to see all these young people anxious to learn about the outdoors and fishing. I hope they enjoyed the day as much as I did.

The kids saw presentations on safety, fish limits and fish cleaning and participated in knot tying and a casting contest. They also received bags full of fishing goodies worth more than $25, along with a great lunch.

The casting contest was very popular and competitive. Winners were Angela Wick, daughter of Vernon and Becky Wick of New Prague, in the 7- to 10-year-old division, and Jeremy Nemitz, son of Ron and Laura Nemitz of New Prague, in the 11- to 13-year-old division. The two received new rod and reels and clothing, along with gold medals. They also earned the right to enter the state competition later this year.

I would like to thank Eugene Palma and the Sportsmen's Club for sponsoring this event. Without them, this event would not happen. Also a big thank you to all the volunteers for helping.

Warmer weather has arrived, and ice anglers took advantage of it this past weekend. I drove past several lakes on Saturday as I headed for New Prague. People were out on the ice in good numbers, fishing outside and enjoying the first warm weather in more than three weeks. I'm sure they will continue to enjoy the weather this week. The big fish season closes Sunday, Feb. 25. Walleye, northern, muskie and bass season is over until May.

Houses also must be removed from the ice by the end of the month. You can still use them, but the houses can't remain on the ice overnight. Fishing licenses will expire Wednesday, Feb. 28, and new licenses are already available. Get yours now, so you don't forget. And always remember to clean up litter when you leave the lake.